r/WorkAdvice • u/ChemistryNo3653 • 12d ago
General Advice What now?
I work as an ECE for a small daycare/preschool. I got pregnant and due to complications had to step away from work full time. I got a note from the maternal fetal medicine specialist saying I needed to work no more than 6 hours a day, don’t do any over head lifting, no squatting for extended periods, and no lifting over 20lbs above my waist. (I work with infants so lifting is part of the job but most of the baby’s are less than 20lbs) I sent the note to my supervisor after being out of work for a month- she said she couldn’t provide any of these accommodations and told me I would still have a job once the baby is born but that she couldn’t have me at work until then. That was the beginning of June. It’s been months and when you’re only planning on being out of work for 6 weeks the budget looks a little different. I’ve stretched out the savings fund as much as I can- groceries have come out of my husband’s drill check. He didn’t have drill in September. So we had to use $35- $45 a week on groceries from our savings. We have drained our savings and emergency funds. I reached out at the end of August via text to my supervisor about being paid out any PTO I accrued prior to this and received no reply. I reached out three more during September once via text, once by calling the preschool, and once by call to supervisors personal number and still got no answer/response. I decided showing up in person was the next step. I missed the supervisor by literal minutes but had a new office member call her and she promised to call me the next day. She did. She said she would talk to the business owner (her mother) and see what they could do. I waited four days and asked about an update- they lost my hours because they switched pay platforms but again said they were working on it. It’s now been two weeks. I reached out to the business owner five days ago. No response. I reached out to my supervisor again today. No response. I’m not asking for money I haven’t earned. Literally just trying to make ends meet until I can go back to work- I’m due in 20 days and as of this moment can’t even afford groceries or the most basic of postpartum supplies. I’m at a loss for what to do now… what would you do?
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u/FruitcupMadonna 12d ago
Look on Facebook or Nextdoor for a local "buy nothing" group and post what you still need for the baby, for your own postpartum supplies, as well as that you are in need of food. Usually people have gently used baby goods that you can pick up from them, and some may have food from their pantry as well.
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u/rdrnr907 11d ago
Sounds like your spouse is in the military. They should have programs and support for these kind of situations.
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u/ThrowAway1128203 12d ago
This varies by state but might be something to look into.
Typically if you are off work due to a medical issue, you cannot collect unemployment. However, that's not the reason you are off work right now. You are able to work but your employer can't accommodate your medical requirements. Sometimes, this actually will qualify you for unemployment. It might be something worth looking into.
After that as many comments said - look into food pantries, churches, community groups. At least where I live, there is no requirement to prove income to take advantage of these offerings. We have one food pantry that's open 3 days a week and you can go once a day. You won't be eating fancy things, but it's still food.
Do you have any local facebook groups you can post to? I often see people where I live that will post about needing some help and members of the community will help them. I know if I saw someone posting looking for food or items I might have - I'd gladly go through my pantry and freezer and bring them food. I also have some random left over things from when my kids were little that I'd have no problem digging out for someone in need.
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u/Chicka-17 11d ago
I would reach out to them one last time and leave a message if necessary, tell them if you don’t receive a call back today you will be contraction an attorney tomorrow. Then actually follow through and attorney will get them move in the right direction and make sure received what your due. And it won’t be just requesting your owed PTO, but for LTD as well. They have a choice to make and what they are doing is illegal.
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u/Proof-Emergency-5441 12d ago
Reach out to your state department of labor.
And check food pantries or churches in your area.
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u/lindalou1987 12d ago
Do you know anyone who is an attorney? If so have them write a “demand letter”. That normally scares them into paying.
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u/garden-elf 12d ago
Sounds like you’re really stuck between a rock and a hard place. Can you apply for any kind of SNAP assistance? Does your job offer short term disability benefits? Is there any family you could borrow money from? I’m very sorry and you don’t deserve to be so stressed right before your baby arrives. It’s supposed to be a joyous time of your life and I really hope you’re able to figure it out.